Lidetu says he will not form a new party until the election board is reorganized.
“Emotional people still send me death threats,” he added.
Lidetu Ayalew, says he is disappointed that the Ethiopian Democratic Party broke away but told Capital that he doesn’t plan to form a new one until the National Election Board of Ethiopia reorganizes itself honestly.
EDP dissolved after 25 years due to infighting.
“Like any other party there were misunderstandings among members but we managed to overcome them but the sad part is that NEB sided with members who tried to sabotage our work and then one of those individuals handle our bank accounts which goes against the nation’s laws,” he said.
“We will wait until trust is established with a new election board,” he said.
When Capital asked about his future he said:
“Politics is my sole but I need time to think and would like for a calmer atmosphere to be established, for example when I was at a forum in Mekele people insulted me and threatned to burn my party and even kill me.”
He thinks that opposition parties should take advantage of the new climate in Ethiopia to unify and work together because this was one of the reasons they were previously ineffective.
Lidetu played a leading role in bringing about the limited rights opposition parties enjoyed leading to the 2005 Ethiopian Election. He left the Federal Parliament as he did not win a seat. In 2011, he left the presidency of EDP to Mushe Semu since his party’s regulation does not allow one person to hold presidency more than two consecutive periods (eight years).
Lidetu says no new party for now
Academics discuss potentials of stock exchange
Two affiliated universities; Western University College (WUC) and Lincoln University, gave a five day training for financial sector stakeholders at Addis Ababa University last week. It was given to representatives from the private banks, government bodies, universities and financial institutions by Sergey Aityan (PhD), Professor of Economics at Lincoln University.
Abetu Melaku, President of WUC, expressed hope about the formation a stock market in the nation’s economy as the financial sector is witnessing dramatic changes.
“The nature of a stock market is too sensitive and prior preparation is critical,” said Abetu. “Otherwise the capital market will be just a way for a few people to get rich. A legal framework, necessary infrastructure and especially well educated human resources are critical.”
The current decision of the government to sell the shares of public enterprises both partially and entirely was made as a remark that a stock exchange might be created in Ethiopia, according to Abetu.
“We want to contribute to the current development in the economic sector,” he said.
HelloSolar
HelloSolar Pioneers PAYGO and International Remittance Payment to Provide Affordable Solar Home Systems in Ethiopia
August 19, 2018: HelloSolar, an off-grid energy solutions provider, pioneers the Pay-as-You-Go (PAYGO) installment credit plan in partnership with HelloCash mobile banking platform in Ethiopia, to provide affordable solar home systems to the Ethiopian off-grid population. In addition, HelloSolar is also the first company to enable International Remittance Payment to allow Ethiopian Diaspora to pay for their off-grid relatives from abroad.
The PAYGO system allows daily, weekly or monthly instalment payments from a mobile phone by using HelloCash platform. The international payment gateway, accessible on HelloSolar Website, allows the Ethiopian diaspora to pay from anywhere using any international credit card.
Group CEO, Mrs. Wilhelmina DIOP, confirmed that HelloSolar is currently running a pilot project, in partnership with BelCash, Shell Foundation, DFID, USAID and Power Africa, to test its PAYGO model with end-to-end distribution, installation and after sales services.
“We’re very happy to participate in enabling the first PAYGO and international remittance payment” with HelloSolar in Ethiopia and contribute to giving access to affordable energy solutions to the Ethiopian off-grid population.” says Mountaga Vince DIOP, founder and CEO of BelCash.
“In addition to making our solar home systems affordable through PAYGO, we also make sure to provide best-in-class services with our end-to-end distribution, installation and after sales services.” Says Osman Ibrahim Country Director of HelloSolar Ethiopia.”
“After the pilot project, HelloSolar will adapt and roll out its model nationwide and be at the prime position to achieve the Ethiopian government’s target of providing 3.5 million solar home systems by 2025.” says Bart Minsaer General Manager HelloSolar.
“Our mission goes beyond providing affordable access to energy” says Michael Tesfaye Hiruy, HelloSolar Chief Strategy Officer, “moving forward, we will forge the necessary partnerships to provide access to connectivity through affordable smartphones and digital services such as healthcare, education, market access and employment”.
By pioneering the first PAYGO and international payment in Ethiopia, HelloSolar is set to be the leader in the world’s 3rd largest off-grid market, and well positioned to extend its services to other African countries.
About HelloSolar
HelloSolar International is an off-grid solar energy solutions provider committed to improving the quality of life of rural communities in developing countries by giving access to personalized solar energy and connectivity through affordable installment payments using mobile banking.
As a mission-driven organization, HelloSolar believes that accelerating access to smart and renewable energy solutions and connecting the Ethiopian and African population to the digital economy is a major leap forward in developing an inclusive and sustainable world.
About Belcash Technology Solution P.L.C
Belcash Technology Solutions P.L.C. is the technology and ecosystem enabler of the ‘Hello’ brands. Our user-centric approach constantly strives to provide customized technology solutions that are the perfect fit for our customers and partners.
Though each Hello brand represents a different service, they all leverage the mobile phone as the access point for their services. The Hello brands are aspiring and inclusive, aiming to connect all Ethiopian citizens for a brighter future; a future that unlocks the potential of the country and its diverse people.
Press Contact HelloSolar Press Contact Belcash
info@hellosolarint.com info@belcash.com
www.hellosolarint.com www.belcash.com
